Chinese President Xi Jinping stated today, Sunday, that "China will support and enhance the country's economic recovery in 2024." In a New Year's broadcast, he added that "China will deepen reforms to boost confidence in the economy, and Beijing will work to support and enhance the positive trend of economic recovery to achieve stable and long-term economic development."
Xi noted that "we must deepen reform and opening up comprehensively, continue to enhance confidence in development, invigorate economic vitality, and make greater efforts to promote education, strengthen science and technology, and nurture talent." He expressed concern regarding the obstacles faced by some companies and the difficulties experienced by individuals in their work and daily lives, as well as the impact of natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes in some regions.
In a related context, the Chinese president affirmed that "reunification of China with Taiwan is inevitable," using a firmer tone compared to the one he employed last year, just two weeks before Taiwan's new leader was elected. He stated: "The unification of the motherland is a historical inevitability," while the official English translation of his remarks published by Xinhua News Agency used the simpler phrase "China will definitely reunify."
He continued, saying: "All citizens across the Taiwan Strait should share a common feeling and possess a sense of pride in rejuvenating the Chinese nation." The presidential and parliamentary elections in Taiwan are scheduled for January 13, during a time when relations between Beijing and Taipei are tense. China is intensifying its military pressure to assert its sovereignty over Taiwan, which has a democratic government.
